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"Last Days of the Arctic", by Ragnar Axelsson

Screened on 15 January 2013

Runtime: 90'

The world turns its gaze toward the Arctic. Nowhere are the signs of climate change more visible; here global warming already affects the day-to-day lives of the local people. Still the circumpolar Arctic is one of the most disputed territories on Earth, with many nations laying claim to the mining and oil rights of the area as the sea ice retreats. For thousands of years the Inuit have built their communities based upon a sensitive understanding of the land and the frozen ocean, but rapid social and environmental change threatens their traditional way of life. The hunters of the North are a dying breed. This is the twilight of their society. “Last Days of the Arctic” documents the evocative photographic journey of Ragnar Axelsson. The well known photographer has been travelling to the Arctic for almost three decades, drawn by a deep respect for the hunting communities of northern Greenland and Canada. His images have won him recognition as one of the most accomplished documentary photographers of our time. This remarkable body of work is finally brought together to present a unique record of the daily life and culture of some of the most remote communities in the world.

The film was followed by a Q/A, with:

Mr. Ragnar Axelsson (Freelance photographer),

Mr. Damien Degeorges (Arctic Policy and Economic Forum),

Ms. Lida Skifte Lennert (Minister Counselor and the Head of the Greenland Representation to the European Union).

The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.